Broadcast
Date: Saturday, October 17,
Game Time: 9:00 ET
Venue: Yulman Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana,
Network: ESPNU
Houston vs. Tulane Game Preview,
Why You Need To Care
Houston gets a second straight national, spotlight to showcase how, far its come under first-year head coach Tom Herman. The No. 24 Cougars cracked the rankings for the first time in four years after routing SMU for their third comfortable win in a row. Tulane’s rare two-game win streak came to a sudden halt in a 49-10 loss at Temple. The Green Wave is in the midst of a rugged stretch that could impact head coach Curtis Johnson’s job security.
Why Houston Will Win
Houston showed cracks in its own defensive, exterior last week, unable to corral SMU QB Matt Davis. And while Tanner Lee isn’t nearly as athletic Davis, he can stretch defenses with help from receivers Teddy Veal and Devon Breaux. Just two weeks ago, Lee needed only 15 completions to throw four scoring strikes.
Player Who Matters
LB Steven Taylor has come to typify the Houston defense—fast, aggressive and highly disruptive. He was at his chaotic best against, SMU, collecting eight tackles, four stops for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble and three hurries. And he’ll have Lee in his crosshairs this weekend.
What’s Going To Happen?
The offense is unstoppable, certainly for a mediocre Tulane defensive unit. The Cougars, have yet to be held under 34 points in 2015, with QB Greg Ward Jr. shredding opposing defenses with his arm and feet. Ward has accounted for 19 touchdowns and one pick and doesn’t figure to get much resistance from the Green Wave.
Why Tulane Will Win
There appears to be no let-up in Houston, which is rolling on offense and getting enough big plays out of the D to shift momentum. The Cougars will make the most out of another opportunity to spread their brand to a wide audience, unleashing Ward and the attacking D on outmanned Tulane.
